A team of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agriculture specialists at the Port of Brownsville successfully intercepted a pest previously unseen in the area. The interception took place on September 18 when two specialists conducted an inspection aboard a motor vessel arriving from Vietnam.
Port Director Tater Ortiz praised the efforts, stating, "CBP agriculture specialists play a key role in preventing invasive pests from negatively affecting the agriculture of our country. I commend CBP agriculture specialists for the interception of this First in Port pest, Artaxa sp., that has the potential to defoliate hundreds of species of trees and shrubs."
During their examination, the specialists found and collected an egg mass suspected to belong to the Flighted Spongy Moth Complex (FSMC). The specimen was sent to a U.S. Department of Agriculture entomologist who confirmed on October 2, 2024, that it was indeed Artaxa sp., an actionable pest known for its potential to cause economic and environmental harm through forest defoliation.
This interception underscores the importance of CBP's agricultural mission to prevent foreign pests from establishing themselves in the United States. By excluding harmful pests and diseases, CBP aims to protect the nation's agriculture industry.
For more information about CBP's efforts in agriculture inspection, visit their Protecting Agriculture page or watch their video on inspecting imported flowers. Updates can be followed on social media accounts like @DFOLaredo and @CBPSouthTexas.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection remains committed as America's frontline defense, employing over 65,000 personnel dedicated to safeguarding national security through innovation and collaboration.
